Crisis in Sri Lanka: Human Rights in Peril

In 2022, a youth-led citizens movement succeeded in removing a Prime Minister, President, and a Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka. The old political guard maneuvered to cling to power. The use of anti-terrorism laws and sweeping arrests followed to crackdown on citizen protestors. All this, in a context of deep economic crisis, brought on by high foreign debt and failed local policies, amidst multiple global crises. In response to soaring inflation and shortages of food, medicines, fuel and electricity, the new government also enacted laws that passes the burden of state debt to the people, further deepening the country’s economic and social crisis.

This event will discuss the unfolding developments in Sri Lanka, the responses of the government and international actors, and possibilities for a justice-oriented, people-centered approach to resolving the crisis in Sri Lanka.